One of the conundrums plaguing property owners is whether to repair or replace a roof. The roofing material plays a role in the answer.
With some roofing materials, repairs might be the best route to go, while others dictate replacement.
But there are some rules of thumb you can follow to make sure you’re staying on top of your roofing situation.
Slate and tile
Slate is far and a away the sturdiest and most long-lasting roofing material. So think long and hard before replacing it. Tiles, too last a long time, so it may be that repairing a tile roof is the better way to go.
“Unless your slate or tile roof is more than 70 years old, there’s a good chance that even extensive repair will be a better investment than installing an entirely new roof,” according to HomeAdvisor.
Wood
Wood shingles can be attractive. But if you’re dealing with a wood roof that has problems, replacement might be the way to go.
According to HomeAdvisor, ” If old age has taken its toll on your wood roof, you should (at the very least) take a glance at the cost and performance of more durable roofing material choices before you decide to go with wood again.”
Metal
There are reason metal roofs have gained popularity in recent years. Their strength and durability are extremely attractive. They’re also relatively low-maintenance.
“Chances are, if your metal roof has aged long enough to require repair on any kind of frequent basis, it has already done its job for decades and should be retired and replaced,” according to HomeAdvisor. “If a metal roof is damaged by impact, there is a high probability that repair will fix the damage for good and the roof as a whole will perform well for years to come.”
Asphalt
Asphalt can be patched many times. But it ages more quickly than other options. If you find yourself with trouble from an asphalt roof, an independent roof inspector could be your best friend.